Biggest Takeaways From Sherrone Moore's Gameweek Presser

The worst-kept secret in college football is official: Bryce Underwood will start at quarterback when Michigan Football opens its season against New Mexico on Saturday.

Head coach Sherrone Moore confirmed the move during his game week press conference Monday, putting an end to speculation that had lingered only in name.

“Yes, Bryce Underwood will be our starting quarterback. I’ll confirm that,” Moore said. “He’s earned the opportunity. It was not given to him. … Bryce took the necessary steps and really took the position, took ownership of his abilities, and took ownership of the team and became a leader on the team and a guy that guys look to.”

The five-star freshman becomes only the fourth true freshman quarterback to start for Michigan, a testament to his talent and maturity at just 18 years old. Moore admitted the staff “probably halfway through camp” realized he was “the guy,” especially after a standout scrimmage inside Michigan Stadium.

“He doesn’t get up too high or too low,” Moore said. “He was very excited about the opportunity, and he said that’s why he came here, you know, to be that guy and not given the opportunity because he earned it.”

Norton, Efobi still in battle on the offensive line

While Underwood’s debut stole headlines, Michigan’s other position battles brought clarity too — or not? Moore revealed that freshman Brady Norton will start at right guard alongside Nathan Efobi, who will also rotate heavily.

“Brady Norton looks like he’ll start right now with Nate Efobi, who is going to play as well,” Moore said. “So I feel like we’re in a good place with those guys.”

The decision reflects the staff’s confidence in Norton, who surged late in camp, and also hints that the position battle could extend into the season.

Norton took reps at every position during the offseason, but had mentioned in the right guard battle with Ferris State transfer Lawrence Hattar and Jake Guarnera. Hattar is expected to be the backup left guard while Guarnera is the backup center.

Wide receiver depth: Goodwin rises, Marsh flashes

Receiver rotation also took shape. Donaven McCulley earned the No. 1 jersey and spot long ago. Semaj Morgan will be the starter in the slot with redshirt freshman Channing Goodwin breaking through as the clear WR3.

Goodwin has been getting praise all camp, publicly and behind the scenes. Still, Goodwin already being ahead of Fred Moore is a slight surprise.

“The other guy that’s really stepped up is Channing Goodwin,” Moore said. “He’s really taken the next step to be that third guy.”

Perhaps the most encouraging sign for the future: freshman Andrew Marsh will open as Michigan’s kick returner and is expected to earn more offensive reps as the season progresses.

“Andrew Marsh is going to play. Andrew Marsh is going to be our starting kick returner,” Moore said. “Andrew Marsh is dynamic. He’s going to touch the football.”

Running back picture: RB1A, RB1B … and Parker at RB3

Moore doubled down on the idea of a split backfield between true freshmen Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes, calling it “1A, 1B.” Both backs have embraced the mentality and are focused on being the best running back room in the country.

“Right now it’s 1A, 1B with Justice and Jordan. So we’ll see who practices the best this week. And that’ll be the person that’s first. But they’ll both play. They’ll both play a lot,” Moore said.

Behind them, another freshman has lived up to his hype: Moore confirmed our intel around Jasper Parker. After an impressive camp, Parker has the edge as RB3, though Michigan will keep evaluating Micah Kaapana and Bryson Kuzdzal.

“Jasper Parker’s really taking the turn to possibly be that guy,” Moore said.

A team with a chip chasing chips

Moore closed by emphasizing the team’s hunger after falling short a year ago.

“There’s a chip on their shoulder for sure. They’ve continually said, like, that is not the standard. That’s not how we play,” Moore said. “Like Ernest Hausmann said to the team, we are starving. We are not hungry. We are starving.”